1st ‘Saltie’ of Season Arrives in Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - The first oceangoing vessel of the 2015 shipping season has pulled into the Port of Duluth-Superior.

The Kom, flagged in Malta, sailed under the Aerial Lift Bridge around noon Monday as spectators watched in sunny spring weather.  The vessel is the first "saltie" this year to make it to the head of the Great Lakes after making the 2,342-mile journey through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the lakes.

According to port officials, the Kom started the voyage in Spain. The 465-foot-long ship arrived to load grain at two terminals in Superior, Wisconsin, and then will return to Europe with the wheat, which will be milled into flour for pasta.

Reports say port officials and community leaders will board the ship Wednesday for an invitation-only ceremony to welcome the Kom.